Let me tell you about a little dinner miracle I stumbled upon called Forgotten Chicken. This isn’t just any chicken recipe—it’s the one you’ll turn to when you’ve got a million things on your plate, the kids are shouting for snacks, and the last thing you want to do is babysit a stove. Forgotten Chicken is as easy as it sounds: you literally throw everything into one dish, stick it in the oven, and forget about it until dinner time.
It’s creamy, hearty, and gives off those old-school, home-cooked vibes that make you feel like you’re eating at Grandma’s house. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for busy nights, potlucks, or even lazy Sundays. Let’s dive into everything you need to know, so you can get this masterpiece on your dinner table.
Why Do They Call It Forgotten Chicken?
The name isn’t just catchy; it’s spot-on. This recipe is designed for busy people. There’s no stirring, flipping, or complicated steps. You prep it in minutes, slide it into the oven, and—this is the magic part—you forget about it. While you’re off handling life (or bingeing your favorite Netflix show), the oven does all the hard work. The result? Perfectly cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together.
This dish is like a hug on a plate. It’s cozy, filling, and downright delicious. And the best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, so you won’t be stuck scrubbing dishes afterward.
Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. No fancy stuff here—just the good basics:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Long-grain white rice: Don’t use instant rice; it’ll turn into mush.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds that rich, creamy base. Cream of mushroom works too if you want a slightly different flavor.
- Chicken broth: This is what cooks the rice and keeps it moist. If you don’t have broth, water works in a pinch, but broth adds way more flavor.
- Seasoning mix: A packet of onion soup mix is classic, but you can mix your own with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the top get a little golden.
Optional: Toss in some veggies if you’re feeling fancy. Mushrooms, peas, or even chopped broccoli are great additions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Seriously, if you can pour, stir, and cover, you’ve got this.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Don’t skip this step; preheating ensures everything cooks evenly.
2. Prep the Dish
Grab a large baking dish (9×13 is perfect). Spread the uncooked rice in an even layer across the bottom.
3. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice. No need to get too precise—just make sure they’re spread out enough so everything cooks evenly.
4. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and your seasonings. Whisk it all together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is coated.
5. Add Butter
Cut the butter into small chunks and dot them across the top of the dish. As it melts, it’ll seep into the rice and chicken, adding that irresistible richness.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all the broth and soup, turning into a creamy, flavorful base for the chicken.
7. Uncover and Finish
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps the top get a little golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just a dish; it’s a cooking hack. The foil traps the steam, creating a mini oven within your oven that cooks everything perfectly. The rice soaks up all the flavors from the broth and seasonings, while the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Plus, since everything cooks together, the flavors blend beautifully. The rice isn’t just a side dish here—it’s infused with chicken-y goodness and creamy soup, making it the star of the plate.
Pro Tips for Forgotten Chicken
Here’s how to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Stick to Long-Grain Rice: Instant rice cooks too quickly and will turn mushy. Long-grain white rice is your best bet for fluffy, perfectly cooked results.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. The rice absorbs all the flavors, so make sure you’re giving it plenty to work with.
- Try Bone-In Chicken: It stays juicier during the long cooking time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Double Up: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping. Just use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is hard to beat, you can tweak this recipe to suit your taste or mood.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped spinach. Just toss them in with the rice before adding the chicken.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish.
- Herby Vibes: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a burst of flavor.
A Personal Note: My First Forgotten Chicken Adventure
The first time I made Forgotten Chicken, I didn’t believe it could be this easy. I was convinced the rice wouldn’t cook through, or the chicken would dry out. But when I pulled that bubbling dish out of the oven, it was love at first bite. My husband even asked if I’d secretly ordered takeout because it tasted “too good to be that easy.”
And yes, there was a hiccup or two. (Pro tip: don’t accidentally use instant rice, unless you’re aiming for rice pudding.) But even with a couple of rookie mistakes, this dish still turned out amazing.
Serving Suggestions
Forgotten Chicken is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are some easy side ideas:
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crispiness balances the creamy rice.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots pair perfectly with the savory chicken.
- A Simple Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
- Crusty Bread: Because you’ll want to mop up every last bit of that sauce.
FAQs About Forgotten Chicken
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it’ll take longer to cook. Add an extra 20-30 minutes to the bake time and check the rice for doneness before serving.
2. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No problem! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of flour and a little chicken bouillon for a quick substitute.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
4. Is there a dairy-free version?
Sure! Use a dairy-free soup alternative and swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
5. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s better to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Frozen chicken may throw off the cooking time and texture.
Why Forgotten Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Book
There’s a reason this dish has been a family favorite for decades. It’s comforting, delicious, and practically cooks itself. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s just learning the ropes, Forgotten Chicken is foolproof and satisfying.
So, the next time life gets hectic—or you just don’t feel like cooking—remember this recipe. It’s simple, stress-free, and guaranteed to make everyone at your table happy. And honestly, what more could you ask for?
If you’re loving the idea of easy, comforting meals like Forgotten Chicken, you’ll want to check out some other delicious recipes on our site. Try our Chicken Cabbage Soup for a healthy and hearty option, or whip up the Rice Cooker Chicken for another hassle-free dinner idea. Craving something cheesy and indulgent? Don’t miss the Cheesy Gordita Crunch or the cozy, flavorful Taco Potato Casserole—both are crowd-pleasers that’ll have your family asking for seconds!